Meet Joanne Newman | Mixed Media Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joanne Newman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joanne, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
What is so risky about artmaking you might ask. It has been my experience that taking risks in art making is essential. It takes me places I have never been, reveals where I want to go, keeps me motivated and pushes me forward. But, it can be scary! Rejection is always possible. What if no one wants to buy it? The vulnerability is daunting! Then I remember it’s just paint. After many years of learning painting basics in technique and process, I have built a vocabulary of skills that are the foundation of my practice as a painter. The true satisfaction in art making is when I can expand beyond this basic alphabet soup and use it to construct my own stories in paint. Every painting presents a series of decisions. I enjoy exploring the “what ifs” as I paint. That is where risk taking comes into play. Sometimes I will get lucky and find a satisfying and unexpected outcome that feels true to my intentions and sometimes I have to keep exploring with no apparent result. When I had less time to paint I used to be afraid of “wrecking” paintings and would abandon them. Now I realize that taking risks to resolve issues can push through these dead ends. I am on a quest to take bolder leaps as my confidence grows. Paint, play, repeat!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Since my childhood I have always thought of myself as an artist but put the goal aside until my later years. Over the last 15 years I have been slowly honing my skills so that I can pursue this artist journey fully now that I have the time. Art making is a practice that requires a lot of practice and persistence. I find great joy in painting and hope that comes across in my finished work.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
San Diego offers many opportunities to enjoy nature and the outdoors. I gravitate towards taking visitors to see our beautiful coastal views like Sunset Cliffs, Mission Beach/Bay, La Jolla, Del Mar and Balboa Park. There are lovely eateries large and small in all of these locations so combining dining into tours is pretty simple and spontaneous. Nature hikes, garden walks and tide pooling are fun options to add to the mix.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give a shoutout to my Artistas Critique Group. Thank you for the camaraderie, encouragement and enrichment.

Website: https://www.jrnart.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanne_newman
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jrnart/
Other: https://cobaltgallerysd.com/